Restorative Yoga slows down your body, giving it the strength to heal and restore itself. This practice gradually opens your body while prompting your parasympathetic nervous system to initiate a healing response. For most of us, this means the sensations will be minimal at first, but grow and build as we hold each pose.
As the name suggests, Restorative Yoga is slow and grounded. Typically, we might do only three or five poses during a one-hour class. We will often support these poses with props to help us achieve a deeper level of relaxation.
Props Used in Restorative Yoga:
- Blocks
- Straps
- Blankets
- Mat
- Bolsters
- Eye pillow
In some sequences, we might use several of one type of prop. This is especially true of blankets.
But now you might worry, “I don’t have any of these props!” If so, please contact us. There are creative ways to practice with objects simply found in your house!
Research has shown that Restorative Yoga is an excellent way to let energy flow more freely in your body. This not only promotes healing, but also helps to prevent injury.
Benefits
- Enhances flexibility
- Stills the body and mind
- Balances the nervous system
- Boosts the immune system
- Enhances mood states
Yin Yoga vs. Restorative Yoga
| YIN YOGA | RESTORATIVE YOGA | |
| Time per pose | 6 to 10 minutes | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Feeling | Moving into sensation, possibly with some support | Little to no sensation and lots of support |
| When to practice | When the body is cool (So please do not practice this after another class!) | When the body is warm or cool (This is an excellent routine at the end of a flow class!) |
Schedule
Every Wednesday:
- Central Time (U.S.A.) = 2:00 – 3:00PM
- Amsterdam = 9:00 – 10:00PM
- Dubai = 11:00PM – 12:00AM